Healthy teeth and gums can have huge benefits for your overall health and wellbeing, as Michelle Higgs explains
“You might not realise it, but oral health contributes to good overall health”
“You can also reduce the risk of tooth decay by cutting your intake of sugary foods and drinks”
“If you ignore the warning signs and your gum disease isn’t treated, the problem will get much worse”
“Cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink will help to improve your oral health”
Facts/stats
The cost to the NHS of treating largely preventable oral health conditions is around £3.6 billion per year
(Office for Health Improvement and Disparities)
Over half the population has gum disease, often without knowing
(British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry)
The most common type of filling is an amalgam made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper
(NHS)
Most of us had healthy teeth and gums when our adult teeth started to come in between the ages of six and seven. But they don’t stay that way automatically. It’s up to you to look after your teeth and gums to ensure they’re in tiptop condition. This is really important because if you neglect your oral health, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease which are often visible when you smile, so it can adversely affect your self-esteem.
But it’s not just a case of having toothache or a bit of bad breath. You might not realise it, but oral health contributes to good overall health. Gum disease is linked to a number of more serious conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia and complications in pregnancy. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body.
The good news is that both tooth decay and gum disease are preventable. There are three easy steps you can take to ensure good oral care for you and your family.
- Avoid tooth decay
Tooth decay starts when there is a build-up of sticky plaque on your teeth caused by bacteria. If the plaque isn’t removed from your teeth and the gum line through brushing and flossing, it can become hardened (at this point, it’s known as tartar). A build-up of tartar makes it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively, and this can lead to small holes (cavities) in your teeth and to gum disease.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is vital, but it isn’t enough to prevent tooth decay. You also need to be using tiny interdental brushes once a day to remove debris and plaque from in between your teeth and gums; use floss instead of interdental brushes where there isn’t enough space between your teeth.
If you notice small holes in your teeth, or you have sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things, or you have persistent toothache, see your dentist as soon as possible. It will be much easier and far less painful to treat if you seek help before the situation becomes more serious.
You can also reduce the risk of tooth decay by cutting your intake of sugary foods and drinks. The bacteria in plaque turns the sugar into acid and starts to eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Children are particularly prone to tooth decay if they have lots of sugary fruit juice and fizzy drinks. Find out more about recommended sugar limits on the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/sugar).
- Look for signs of gum disease
Gum disease is very common in both children and adults, yet it’s entirely treatable and any damage is reversible if it’s caught early enough. But how do you know if you have gum disease? It starts with gingivitis (early gum disease, or gum inflammation). Some telltale signs include bad breath; swollen, red and sore gums; and/or bleeding from your gums when you brush your teeth, floss or eat anything hard. None of these symptoms are normal, so you should see your dentist as soon as possible to get treatment.
If you ignore the warning signs and your gum disease isn’t treated, the problem will get much worse. You’re likely to develop periodontitis (deep gum disease) where the bacteria multiply down towards the root, after which deep pockets form between the root and the gum. Then the gums start to recede, the tooth-supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth can become loose and fall out.
To avoid these serious issues, it’s vital that you check your gums and those of your family while you carry out your twice-daily toothbrushing routines. Doing so will give your children the best chance of strong teeth and healthy mouths in adulthood.
- Make healthier lifestyle choices
If you smoke tobacco, you’ll already know that nicotine stains your teeth yellow, and can even turn them brown. More importantly, smoking weakens your immune system, so it’s harder for your body to fight off infections. This means you’re more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers, and for it to get worse quickly. Smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal after treatment. You’re also at a higher risk of developing mouth cancer. In fact, two-thirds of mouth cancer cases are linked to smoking. Ask for advice from your local pharmacy to help you quit smoking for good.
Drinking alcohol excessively also has a detrimental effect on your oral health. Alcoholic drinks, including wine, beer and cider, are all acidic which will eventually dissolve the enamel on your teeth. This is made worse if you mix alcohol with fizzy drinks that are full of sugar. Alcohol also reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to stick to your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink will help to improve your oral health. If you need help to stop drinking, ask your GP or pharmacy to refer you to your local alcohol support service.
5 tips for keeping your teeth clean and healthy
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, ideally for 2 minutes, to remove any plaque or food particles.
- Change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the bristles are starting to bend.
- Don’t rinse your mouth with water straight after brushing your teeth as this removes the fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.
- Floss, or use a small interdental brush, at least once a day to remove any food particles and plaque between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Make sure you attend regular check-ups at the dentist, and see the dental hygienist who can remove areas of hardened plaque (tartar) through a scale and polish.
Oral care at your local pharmacy
It can be difficult to get an appointment to see your dentist at short notice. But if you’re concerned about your teeth or gums, or you have a troublesome mouth ulcer, your local friendly pharmacy can help – and no appointment is needed. Members of the pharmacy team offer lots of useful advice about oral care, and they can refer you to your GP or dentist if they think your problem is more serious.
The pharmacy also stocks a wide range of products to meet your oral care needs. This includes toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwashes and floss, as well as gel for mouth ulcers that help to soothe the pain and reduce the inflammation. However, if you have a mouth ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks, you should see your GP about it.